The Court of Session has overturned a planning decision made by Renfrewshire Council in relation to green space on the outskirts of Johnstone, thus opening up a large portion of the land for development.
And it has led to cries that democracy is being stifled in the area, according to residents who are upset at the decision of a major court to intervene in the area’s development policy.
Following a legal challenge brought by real estate company James (Glasgow) Ltd, the Court of Session has decided to remove the green belt designation from the ‘sheep field’, on Auchenlodment Road, and redefine it as ‘white space’ – opening it up to housebuilders.
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They also determined that greenbelt greenbelt land at Thriplee Road, Bridge of Weir and the former Golf Driving Range, Rannoch Road, Johnstone, would also become available for development.
Renfrewshire Council had argued against losing the green space, which is widely used in the community for leisure. But now the court decision means housing is expected to progress on the site.
Elderslie resident, Brian Reid, 61 said that the move was anti-democratic.
He said: “We vote in our councillors, and they’re making valid judgements for their local areas and they’re just being overlooked and dismissed.
“I’m an avid SNP supporter and I always give my second vote to the Greens and so I’m infuriated that the things that I believe in are being overturned. These are decisions that were made at a local level. The idea of having devolution or having independence is about making your own decisions and they’re taking those decisions away from the community.”
Johnstone South and Elderslie Councillor Andy Steel blasted the decision.
He said: “This site has long been coveted by developers, and I know how much time the community have put in to trying to protect it. So this decision by the Court is a massive blow.”
“The original argument was that the Green Belt was best defended by building houses on the Green Belt – completely ridiculous. Now they have got round opposition to that by just removing the land from the Green Belt completely. It’s sickening.”
Councillor Steel echoed Brian’s comments about residents being shut out of decisions that affect them.
“I hope the new planning system coming shortly allows the voice of communities to be heard in the planning system – at the moment it feels like the deck is stacked heavily in the other side’s favour.
“There was a lot of talk when we were coming out of Covid about building back better, and making sure we had open spaces for communities. This decision flies in the face of that.
”If Green Belt designation can be taken away against the wishes of the local community and council, what’s the point in having it?”
“Also, this site won’t do anything to address housing problems – we’ll be losing another open space for a small development. None of it makes sense.”
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